19 May 2012

Lokomotiv Moscow rounds Russias?s year

The Muscovite side brilliantly claims the Mundialito de Clubes after beating Flamengo in a really tight final

Lokomotiv Moscow brought the undeniable Russian dominion to the clubs sphere, after bending Flamengo to claim the II Mundialito de Clubes. In a historical morning, the Leonov-steered side equalized the score up to three times to finally turn it around amid an amusing noisy crowd who were, needless to say, on the ‘Rubronegro’ side. The contribution by Makarov, close to Madjer in the top-scorers race, and Sydorenko, brilliantly awarded as the tournaments best goalkeeper, gave the Muscovite usual solidness the extra boost they needed to make the difference in such a terrifically competitive tournament.

Benjamin, the tournament’s MVP was brilliant today. Unfortunately for his side, his great performance was not enough, but his moves on the sand delighted the fans both on the stands and at home. He himself was the one to open the score, thanks to a magnificent bicycle by mid first period. Gorchinsky managed the reply for the Russian side by de end of the period, exactly the same way he did when the Brazilian sorcerer netted his second goal today.

The third period decided everything. And despite Benjamin hit for a third time for the 3-2, three strokes in three minutes changed things drastically, with Shkarin, Makarov and Daniel turning the score around. Two goals became a too wide distance for Flamengo, with just 180 seconds to go. Bernardo tried to begin the comeback for the carioca side, but, Makarov cut any trace of reaction with his ninth goal in the tournament, securing the trophy in Russian hands.

Vasco da Gama finally got the biggest prize they could apply for after their defeat in semifinals, and clinched the third place against Sporting Portugal. The Carioca side coped really well with their opponents getting ahead, and waited for the best moment to counteract and have things on their side.

Sporting was in command of the game almost during the first two periods, right from the moment Belchior swept them ahead in the fourth minute of the game. Indeed, it was not until one period before that Gil managed to equalize, only to see, though, Fernando DDI give the Leões the advantage again three minutes later. The same more less happened when Mauricinho bagged the 2-2 for the Gigante da Colina and Alan immediately replied to turn that effort into meaningless.

But everything changed in the third leg, as this time, the carioca did not hit only once, nor twice, but three times before their opponent could react. Madjer’s last hit merited him the Top Scorer award, but could not change the course of a match which already was in Vascaino hands.